How to Dial In "Waves of Fear" by Lou Reed - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Waves of Fear"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From The Blue Mask (1982). The Blue Mask is the eleventh solo studio album by the American rock musician Lou Reed, released in February 1982, by RCA Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Lou Reed's other songs, stands in. Set the amp clean, with the gain barely up and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "Waves of Fear" Tone
What guitar did Lou Reed use on "Waves of Fear"?
The guitar on "Waves of Fear" (released 1982) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Waves of Fear" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 5. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Waves of Fear" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Waves of Fear" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Waves of Fear" by Lou Reed are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.